"Lin!!!"
"Lin!!!"
...
The Juventus fans sat in stunned silence. The only sound inside the stadium was the roar of the Liverpool supporters.
Liverpool's players rushed toward Leo Lin and piled on top of him in celebration.
Leo Lin felt like he had a mountain pressing down on him.
"Hey, hey—who the hell is grabbing my butt?!"
"Lovren, get up! Keep this up and you'll be the main course!"
"Damn it—help! Ref! I can't breathe!!!"
Across the major livestream platforms:
"Has there ever been an 18-year-old this dominant in a Champions League knockout match?"
"A true chosen one. I haven't seen it before… but I've seen young Leo Lin!"
"How many years does football wait for a midfielder like this? Liverpool must protect him at all costs!"
The celebrations finally died down. Play resumed in the 81st minute. Leo Lin straightened his jersey while Klopp pumped his fists wildly on the touchline.
Leo Lin punched the air in response.
He knew he needed performances like this to secure his place in the first team.
More importantly, he needed them to repay Klopp's trust. A manager willing to build a new tactical core around a player this young—there weren't more than a handful in the world.
When play restarted, Juventus pushed forward in search of a breakthrough. But with the extra man, Liverpool were fearless. They stepped up as well, meeting Juventus head-on.
In midfield, Leo Lin's triangular positioning gave Liverpool extra passing lanes. It allowed them to control the tempo firmly and defuse Juventus' pressing.
"Leo Lin has clearly become the core of Liverpool's new tactical system."
"To entrust such responsibility to a player this young… the only manager I can think of who'd dare do that is Van Gaal."
Time ticked away. Juventus kept pushing, but they still couldn't carve out a real chance. Liverpool continued to dictate the rhythm.
In the 90th minute, the fourth official raised the board—five minutes of stoppage time.
"Five minutes added on. Between the celebrations and frequent fouls, we've got more than the usual three."
With five minutes remaining, Liverpool's formation dropped back into their own half.
But they weren't simply defending deep. They pressed stubbornly in midfield, cutting off central penetration and forcing Juventus into hopeful long balls.
Aerial duels were Juventus' weakness. Neither Dybala nor Higuaín had a real height advantage against Liverpool's defenders.
Juventus began launching high balls repeatedly, even sending their fullbacks into Liverpool's penalty area.
93rd minute!
"Buffon carries it out of his box, trying to shorten the distance for the pass."
"Long ball into the area!"
"It's a decent drop—Higuaín flicks it on!"
"Dybala tries to get the shot away—Lovren blocks with his body!"
"There's another chance at the top of the box!"
"Matuidi!!!"
"Bang!!!"
"Blocked again!"
"Leo Lin steps in front—shields the defensive midfield zone and completes the cover!"
"Whistle—"
"Whistle—"
"Whistle!!!"
"Full time!!!"
"It's over!!!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal here in Turin has come to an end!"
"Congratulations to Liverpool! A 2–0 victory over Juventus in the first leg!"
"Liverpool now hold the advantage in this tie!"
In the livestream chat:
"This will go down as a defining match in Leo Lin's career!"
"A milestone night—brace in a Champions League knockout match!"
"One last thing to Juventus: Anfield awaits!"
Leo Lin bounced in celebration as Liverpool's players sprinted across the pitch. The broadcast camera locked onto him—the Man of the Match.
There was no debate. Leo Lin would receive the highest rating of the night.
In the stands, Barnett smiled broadly. A deeper run in the Champions League meant Leo Lin was one step closer to the Ballon d'Or.
Miracles are reserved for those who dare to dream.
Not everyone who dreams succeeds—but those who succeed are always dreamers.
After the match, Leo Lin happily posted on his personal page, sharing photos from the game with the caption:
"Keep grinding!"
Teammates flooded the comments.
Salah: "Forgot the beginning, forgot the end—I love Lin!"
Lovren: "Salah's right."
Busquets: "A true genius!"
Grealish: "What scares me isn't your strength—it's your looks."
Ibi: "The player I dream of becoming!"
Sergio Ramos: "Can't wait for the World Cup. I'll clear every obstacle for you!"
...
Even Leo Lin hadn't expected so many big names to show up in support. At the post-match press conference, he expressed heartfelt thanks to his teammates.
"I'm only 18, yet I've received so much love."
"I'm grateful. Truly grateful for everyone's support."
"I'll stay true to my original intentions, give everything I have, and help Liverpool win more trophies. That's my goal."
Liverpool quickly posted:
"Leo Lin Shines in First Champions League Knockout Appearance—Wins Match MVP!"
"Leo Lin Enters Ballon d'Or Odds Rankings!"
Meanwhile, the hero of the night had already returned home, showered, and was now holding a plate of grilled meat. Disguised, he took a taxi to Firmino's house.
During the locker room celebrations, Leo Lin had noticed something.
Firmino had been celebrating wildly—until he checked his phone. After that, his expression had darkened.
Remembering that moment, Leo Lin knocked on Firmino's door.
The Brazilian striker looked exhausted. He was drinking strong whisky and handed Leo Lin a cup of coffee.
Soon they were talking. Gradually, Leo Lin understood what was weighing on him.
"I was with her for three years. And in the end, she didn't even break up with me face to face."
"One text message. That was it."
Firmino let out a bitter laugh.
Leo Lin frowned.
"That's it?"
He looked genuinely puzzled.
"Bro, you're a football star."
"Look at your Brazilian teammate Neymar. And you're out here acting like a lovesick fool?"
Leo Lin patted his shoulder.
"Listen."
"In your world, you're the main character."
"Anyone who leaves your world? That just means she's no longer part of your story."
"But you're still the lead."
"Sooner or later, the real leading lady will show up—and you'll finish this grand movie of life together."
They talked for a long time. Firmino's mood improved significantly, and their friendship deepened.
As Leo Lin was about to leave, he stopped and turned back.
"Firmino."
"Don't stay down."
"When it hurts, play football."
"Football is the cure."
Firmino burst out laughing.
"Then get to training early tomorrow. I'll drive you."